We all know that our pets aren't baggage, but unfortunately, they're treated as such by most airlines. Many animals are injured or become agitated in flight—but the new airline Pet Airways offers a safe and comfortable alternative for pets that must be flown.
Just under a year ago, my husband Jeff and I went to the airport to pick up a new friend: 9-year-old Charlie, a Bichon-poodle mix with matted fur and a mouthful of rotten teeth who had been unceremoniously dumped at an animal shelter in Florida. Because there are so many unwanted pets in the South, Charlie didn’t stand a chance of being adopted there, and would have likely been euthanized. Fortunately, the nationwide Bichon Frise rescue group Small Paws Rescue was willing to pay for Charlie’s grooming and vet bills, and to organize his flight from Florida to Maine, where we were anxiously awaiting our new friend. We’d only planned to foster him for a few weeks until he found a forever home, but it only took us a second to fall in love with the little guy, and he’s been part of our family ever since.
Though Charlie’s been wagging his tail ever since he arrived in Maine, his journey here was no picnic: as is standard policy with most airlines, he was stowed away in a crate in the baggage compartment of the plane, with no access to food or water. When his connecting flight was delayed, he was forced to remain in the crate with no opportunity for a bathroom break. By the time we finally met him, he’d spent more than 12 straight hours in his carrier.
We all know that our pets aren’t baggage, but unfortunately, they’re treated as such by most airlines. When flying in the cargo hold, pets are often jostled around in flight, and may become very agitated. Because the cargo hold isn’t climate-controlled, they can also become sick if the air becomes too hot or too cold. According to a study by the San Francisco SPCA, of the two million pets that are flown each year, more than 5,000 are injured in transport.
In Charlie’s case, this tough trip was a necessary evil—but we’re happy to say that now there’s a better option to help our canine friends and other animal companions travel safely from coast to coast. The new Pet Airways is the world’s first pets-only airline, boasting a safe and comfortable experience for all of its animal passengers. Pets of all sizes are all flown in the main cabin, with constant monitoring from airline staff (animal lovers, all) to make sure that they are not sick or panicked. The staff also takes dogs for walks before flights and between connecting legs, and gives all the animals potty breaks, food, and water during the airplane’s stops.
The airline has also partnered with animal rescue group Best Friends, and is donating flights to help the nonprofit group transport its rescued and adopted pets between distant cities. Eight percent of all proceeds from Pet Airways tickets purchased by Best Friends supporters will also go to the organization.
Pet Airways’ inaugural flight took off on July 14th, and the airline’s flights, which currently travel between New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Denver and Los Angeles, have already sold out for the next two months. The company hopes to soon expand the airline to 25 cities, providing the option of a safe and pleasant flight to animals throughout the U.S.
The airline’s selection of in-flight movies may be lacking, but it’s safe to say that when it comes to flying your furry friend, Pet Airways is as first-class as you can get.
Visit their site for more information. If you are considering putting a pet on a plane, we also strongly recommend reading these great safety tips from the Humane Society.